IM founder has 'habit of filing false complaints'

Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Yasin Bhatkal is in a “habit of filing false complaints”, said the Tihar jail authority on Friday in response to Delhi court pleas which alleged he was being treated “worse than an animal” in the high security prison.

In its report filed before additional sessions judge Raj Kapoor, the jail authority denied Bhatkal’s claim that he was not provided proper food even in the holy month of Ramzan, saying the “accused is being provided the food as per norms.”

Disposing of Bhatkal’s plea, the court observed that no action was required to be taken at this stage and that he could take up his grievance with the judge who inspects the jail regularly.

Bhatkal had alleged that he is presently lodged in Jail No.2 of Tihar jail and has not seen sunlight except during his transportation for the purpose of production before court.

He also claimed that he has been observing fast during Ramzan but was not provided timely and proper food in the jail.

The court, after going through the report, observed that no action was required to be taken at this stage since Bhatkal is a “high security inmate”.

The court also directed that a visiting judge be appointed in order to address any complaints filed by Bhatkal in the future.

Bhatkal, arrested for his alleged role in various terror strikes across India, had claimed in his application that he was being “treated even worse than an animal” and he was not having access to fresh air.

He along and his aide Asadullah Akhtar were arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Indo-Nepal border on the night of August 28, last year for their alleged involvement in a string of terror attacks in the country.

Clash of claimsA Delhi court earlier pleaded that Bhatkal was being treated “worse than an animal” in Tihar Jail.

Bhatkal said he was not provided proper food even during Ramzan but jail officials deny the claim.

He also alleged he has not seen sunlight in his cell from the time he was lodged in it.

The court disposed his plea and said he could take it up with a visiting judge who will be appointed to inspect his condition regularly.

Bhatkal was arrested at the Indo-Nepal border August 28, 2013 for his alleged involvement in a string of terror attacks in the country.